Out of the past 6/2/05

25 years ago: June 2, 1980

An apparent malfunction early in the morning sets off the disaster warning siren at the intersection of Bertling and Belair streets and possibly triggers sirens at several other locations in the city.

County court officials say it will probably be Sept. 1 before they actually take possession of the old Cape Girardeau Public Library in Courthouse Park and work can begin on converting the structure into a county office building.

50 years ago: June 2, 1955

Mrs. F.W. Oehler, regent of the Cape Girardeau chapter of the Daughters of the American Redvolution, says her organization has approved plans for the dedication of the historical marker for Cape Girardeau County on June 12; the bronze marker, located along Highway 61 in Ten Mile Garden, opposite the entrance to Memorial Park, was erected by the State Highway Department more than a year ago.

Farms in the flatlands and in the rolling hills of Southern Illinois are viewed by the agriculture committee of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce on its annual farm tour, the first taken across the Mississippi River into the neighboring state.

75 years ago: June 2, 1930

The owner of a wagon and one of two mules are missing following an accident late Saturday night, in which the wagon apparently was wrecked by an automobile or motor truck while crossing the Diversion Channel bridge on Highway 61 south of Cape Girardeau.

Dr. William K. Statler, 52, prominent Oak Ridge physician, is found dead on his farm east of Oak Ridge; the body is discovered by two members of a search party after the physician fails to return to his home in town at the expected hour.

100 years ago: June 2, 1905

Thousands of people were attracted to the Cape City Brick plant west of the Cape Girardeau late last evening by a fire which destroyed one of the buildings; the large building west of the engine house and near the Cape and Chester Railroad was in heavy flames before it was discovered; A.R. Ponder, T.M. Williams, Ed Regenhardt, E.W. Flentge, M.E. Leming and other prominent citizens directed the fire-fighting efforts with the fire chief and his men.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Charles Daues has received a letter from Gov. Joseph Folk saying the "lid" must be put on in Cape Girardeau and it must be kept on.

-- Sharon K. Sanders